Have you ever wanted to escape the daily grind and explore the world at your own pace? If so, you might be interested in a new cruise product that offers the ultimate flexibility and affordability for travelers who want to live on a ship for three years.
Life at Sea Cruises is a spin-off of Miray Cruises, which has a 30-year history in the cruise industry. The company has announced that it is accepting reservations for its first-ever, three-year cruise, which will travel 130,000 miles, visit 135 countries across seven continents, and stop in 375 ports of call, all aboard the MV Gemini.
The MV Gemini is a 400-cabin ship that can accommodate up to 1,074 passengers. It has been overhauled for the voyage, with spacious cabins, dining and entertainment options, recreational areas like a wellness center, sun deck, and pool, and plentiful work spaces for those who want to live the digital nomad life at sea.
The company promises to provide everything one would need to live at sea for several years, including:
- A full-scale business center with meeting rooms, 14 offices, a business library, and a lounge, with free access for all passengers.
- A 24-hour hospital with free medical visits and a pharmacy.
- Learning experiences for guests like lectures, classes, workshops, and language courses.
- Volunteer opportunities at various ports, such as teaching, environmental projects, and animal welfare.
- A loyalty program that rewards passengers with discounts, upgrades, and free excursions.
The Itinerary: A World of Wonders
The three-year voyage departs from Istanbul on November 1, 2023, with additional pick-ups in Barcelona and Miami later in 2023. The itinerary covers all seven continents and 375 ports of call, with multiple days in each destination to allow passengers to explore at their leisure.
Some of the highlights of the itinerary include:
- Visiting 13 wonders of the world, such as the Pyramids of Giza, the Taj Mahal, Machu Picchu, the Great Wall of China, and the Colosseum.
- Exploring more than 100 islands, such as the Maldives, Seychelles, Hawaii, Galapagos, and Easter Island.
- Spending 98 days in South America and Antarctica, with opportunities to see wildlife, glaciers, and penguins.
- Experiencing diverse cultures, cuisines, and festivals, such as Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Oktoberfest in Munich, Diwali in India, and Chinese New Year in Hong Kong.
The company also offers customized itineraries for passengers who want to join or leave the cruise at any point, or skip certain destinations.
The Pricing: A Budget-Friendly Option
The pricing for the three-year cruise starts at $29,999 per person per year, which works out to about $82 per day. This includes food and beverage, taxes and fees, gratuities, and basic internet. The company also offers payment options starting from $2,499 per month, with no interest or fees.
The cabin options range from 130-square-foot interior rooms to 260-square-foot balcony suites, with different amenities and views. The company also offers single occupancy, double occupancy, and family cabins, as well as pet-friendly cabins.
The company claims that living on a cruise ship for three years might cost less than paying rent in some cities, and that passengers might also benefit from additional tax savings when working as an international resident aboard the ship.
The Verdict: A Dream Come True or a Nightmare?
Living on a cruise ship for three years might sound like a dream come true for some travelers, who can enjoy the freedom, flexibility, and convenience of seeing the world without having to worry about the hassles of planning, packing, and moving. It might also appeal to those who want to work remotely, learn new skills, meet new people, and make a difference in the communities they visit.
However, living on a cruise ship for three years might also pose some challenges, such as:
- Dealing with the risks of seasickness, storms, pirates, and pandemics.
- Coping with the boredom, isolation, and monotony of being on a ship for long periods of time.
- Adjusting to the rules, regulations, and routines of the cruise line and the ship.
- Balancing the budget, lifestyle, and expectations of living on a cruise ship.
- Maintaining the relationships, responsibilities, and obligations of life on land.
Ultimately, living on a cruise ship for three years is not for everyone, but it might be a viable option for some adventurous and flexible travelers who want to experience the world in a unique way.
